UoE MA Curation 'Bare Life': Imogen Patel - Sense of Belonging

Free Exhibition. 

CURATOR: Karine Kachatryan

ARTIST: Imogen Patel

Sense of Belonging brings together the works of Imogen Patel, a multidisciplinary artist whose practice navigates the complexities and tensions surrounding her South Asian identity within the dynamic landscape of contemporary, post-colonial Britain.

Featuring the artist’s raw-edged poetry and striking mixed media paintings — expansive canvases superimposed with Indian motifs, scenes from her hometown, and elegantly draped Sari fabrics — the exhibition allows viewers to peer into Patel’s inner world and grasp her experience of straddling two different cultures. Through her multi-layered pieces, Patel sheds light on the challenges posed by her dual heritage; her ongoing struggle to find a sense of belonging while grappling with feelings of alienation from both the White British and Indian communities.

About Bare Life

Bare Life is a multi-site contemporary art project, taking place in art venues, empty shop spaces and public contexts around Exeter city centre from 16-25 June 2023.

Initiated by students on the MA Curation course at University of Exeter, the aim is to reflect upon the harsh cultural climate we find ourselves in, post-pandemic, in the midst of a cost of living crisis, with war in Ukraine, a hostile environment for migrants, the NHS in meltdown, widespread industrial action and a growing alienation amongst young people from the workplace and consumer culture.

With a sub-title of ‘art despite everything’, each of the five curatorial projects in Bare Life engages with a different aspect of this contemporary moment in a spirit of optimism and solidarity, placing an emphasis on giving a voice to artists. The aim is to provide a positive and mutually supportive platform, working in collaboration with local communities and young people to envisage a better future.

More details: https://barelife.art/